“We look forward to working with Ms Plibersek, who brings wide-ranging social policy experience from her previous Ministerial roles in health, housing and social inclusion to the role,” said Universities Australia Chief Executive Belinda Robinson.

“We are in full agreement with her on the critical importance of education in  economic and social terms. We strongly support her view that Australia cannot be an innovation nation unless it is also an education nation,” Ms Robinson said.

We also welcome the appointment of Terri Butler as Assistant Minister for Universities and thank Amanda Rishworth for her work in that portfolio during the last term.

Ms Robinson thanked Senator Kim Carr for his significant contribution and  commitment to higher education.

“Senator Carr understands and cares deeply about the role of university education and research in underpinning Australia’s prosperity,” she said.

“His interest in science and research has been long-held and far-reaching including his work on developing Australia’s research infrastructure, such as the Square Kilometre Array telescope and the Future Fellowship scheme for mid-career researchers. He has also made significant in-roads towards funding the full cost of university research,” she said.

“His deep understanding and experience in science and research policy make him the ideal choice as Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, and we look forward to continuing to work with him.”

We congratulate Nick Champion on his appointment as Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Science and Kate Ellis on her appointment as Shadow Minister for TAFE and Vocational Education, and thank Sharon Bird for her work in that role previously.